Why I refuse to support my FLGS

[GMSkarka]

The way I see it, the FLGS is becoming a thing of the past. To stay ‘alive’ it has to change. The ones that can’t change will shut down.

Funny coincidence: I just got the new COMICS & GAMES RETAILER magazine today (the closest thing to a trade magazine that this industry has), and there's a column about this very topic.

It's basically positing that people want in-their-home convenience, since they can get 500+ channels, digital movies on demand, play computer games online, etc., and that the FLGS needs to either figure out a way to get into the home, or provide compelling reasons to draw people out of their homes.

The author of the column specifically cites the gangbusters growth of the PDF industry as an example of game-producers "storming the castle" (getting into the home).

 

[Kanegrundar]

For me, the price does play a factor. As I stated eariler I get a good enough discount to actually save money going to my FLGS instead of buying online (that's even factoring in the gas to drive the 15 minutes to get there). There are still a few things that I order online since my shop doesn't really carry them and most times I don't want to wait on a special order. Even then, I don't tend to buy from the big companies, but stick to the smaller online shops like nobleknight.com.

I like my FLGS. They know me by name, hold stuff back, and even carry some games that only I and a couple others play. It's nice. The only thing I don't like about it is the constant groups of CCG kiddies in the place. During the summer really sucks since they aren't in school, so it's tough to find time to get in there while they aren't. However, once school's in session, it's a great place to sit and browse, play a quick boardgame, or just talk gaming. As long as I live in the KC Metro area, I'll keep giving them my business. There's no morality envolved, I like the people that work there and they keep me satisfied as a customer.

Kane

 

[Jdvn1]

Maybe mine would be a RBLGS, then.

Seconded.

 

[Kryndal Levik]

My FLGS stopped carrying many of the games I buy- for example, they no longer carry anything by Necromancer Games. They insist that I can special order the items from them, but there's really no point, in my opinion- if I'm going to have to wait, and not get to review the product, I'll buy it cheaper from a gaming "store" on the internet (and usually do).

 

[Angel Tarragon]

My gripe is paying the retail price on a book. While I could have bought Arcana Evolved for some $50+ odd dollars for, I got it at Amazon for $35. I'd rather pay the $35. That plus I don't need a credit/debit card to shop at Amazon or Stiggybabys.

 

[Yeoman]

Every since I moved to michigan (from denver), I've stopped going to any of the local game stores. Most of the ones around where I live are overpriced, understocked, and some are downright asses when it comes to helping customers. So now I do all my book shopping on amazon or ebay. Unless of course I go back to Denver, in which case it is back to Black and Read for me. (And maybe Valhalla once in awhile)

 

[IronWolf]

The closest store to me is 30 minutes away. I have been there once in the past two years. Another store slightly further away did host an RPGA game on a game day. When I was there I picked up two boxes of minis to help support the store since they had hosted the game.

Beyond that I tend to purchase from online vendors. It is easy to find the major publishers books (i.e. WotC, etc.) at 30% discounts or more. At prices like that I can actually buy more books over a period of time than paying full price for them.

I play at home, so no use of the game store facilities for me. I buy most of my books sight unseen, relying instead on reviews and such that I read here or other places. I tend to buy more unique items (dice, gaming aids, etc) at one of the large conventions - GenCon or Origins.

 

[Corinth]

And this is why I don't go there anymore (partly). The employee I dealt with in the instance of Dungeon magazine has worked there far longer than I've lived in Minnesota. Where the miscommunication was, I don't know, but that's what I was told.

It seems with the Source you either love them or hate them, as evidenced by Mccrow and now Mr. Anondson vs. warlord and myself. I may have to lessen the extent of my refusal to shop there for no other reason than Battle Pope running again, and that being the only place I can get the title.

About 8-10 years ago, I'd say that The Source wasn't quite so good, but still better than Phoenix Games. Today? Hands-down, it's the best LGS in the region- not just the Cities. Dave Arneson and John Kovalic love the joint, and I've not yet heard any other big-wig to say otherwise. It's my go-to shop for all things gaming, comic, or otherwise SF/F in my interest; I take the time to chat with Hans, Burl and some of the other employees- and they do take the time to stake out and become experts in their niches. (Burl's the RPG guy, for example.) Any errors usually arise from talking to someone that's not in their niche, followed up by being just a bit ahead of the relevant employee's game (as it were), but even that's going away more and more with the recent site upgrade.

If any LGS will endure, The Source Comics & Games of Falcon Heights, MN (just a stone's throw away from St. Paul- it's right next to the State Fairgrounds) is that store. We have it very, very good here- and I certainly support my FLGS.

 

[Jhulae]

My FLGS is close to my house and I get 30% off all my games and books.

I'm happy supporting my FLGS.

 

[Goblyn]

I've not read the whole thread becaude it's late and I should be n bed.

As far as FLGSs go, I've never found them friendly, or local. Most of the time, they were mostly CCG or comics shops and decidedly not gaming stores, though they were the only ones in town carrying RPGs. So; not F, not L, not G. So they're just stores.

It would be sad to know that nowhere is there a place where you can go and roleplay where they sell the stuff you use to do so. However, IME, the big threat to these small retailers is Chapters. But each Chapters has a Starbucks in it. and lots of seating. and lots of room.

I imagine that actually trying to game in such a place would be wierd and possibly get you asked to leave, it is still a neutral venue for meeting prospective players for those who like to screen before they include.

I'd better go to bed. I think I'm just rambling now.